Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer

Job TitleSupplier Quality Development (SQD) EngineerLocationWokingDepartmentSupplier Quality AssuranceWe are hiring 6x SQD Engineers on a 24 month fixed term contract. Please note we will consider locations in Bicester & Woking.Please see commodities below:3 x ICE Propulsion1x Composites2x Electrical PropulsionAs part of McLaren Automotive's continued growth and its multi-propulsion strategy, we are expanding our Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team. Strengthening the global SQD function will enhance collaboration with suppliers worldwide and reinforce the delivery of robust quality standards across both new and existing vehicle programmes. As a Senior Supplier Quality & Development Engineer, You will work with suppliers of powertrain commodity components such as engines, transmissions, hoses, pumps, cooling fans, and other assemblies. Operating primarily from the UK with a global remit, you will support suppliers throughout the product lifecycle—from sourcing and industrialisation to series production—ensuring successful launches and ongoing performance. This role is supplier-facing and hands-on, with responsibilities including process feasibility, quality planning, and issue resolution.* Conduct thorough assessments of new supplier sites in China to ensure a competent and reliable supply base.* Ensure non-IATF16949 suppliers achieve certification in line with approved nomination plans.* Collaborate with Engineering and Purchasing to select and nominate capable suppliers aligned with programme requirements.* Support and implement APQP for all new tooled parts, ensuring timely and robust completion of activities.* Work with Engineering and suppliers to complete PPAPs according to commodity timing plans and track approvals against delivery milestones.* Provide progress reporting to Purchasing and SQA Programme teams, covering APQP open issues, PPAP pedigree, and delivery forecasts.* Manage non-PPAP part concessions to ensure a “Plan for Every Part” is in place for build support.* Collaborate with Engineering and suppliers to ensure product designs are feasible for manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, welding, hose manufacturing, pump assembly, and cooling system production.* Verify that supplier manufacturing processes meet durability, performance, and reliability requirements.* Ensure suppliers meet launch and delivery commitments in line with APQP requirements.* Manage suppliers during series production to maintain PPAP compliance and resolve quality, capacity, and delivery concerns.* Conduct annual supplier audits to verify continued compliance with McLaren standards and regulatory requirements.* Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and quality metrics, ensuring sustained capability and delivery.* Facilitate regular governance reviews with key suppliers to address risks, escalate issues, and drive continuous improvement.* Identify critical suppliers and parts requiring cross-functional engagement and oversight* Implement risk mitigation strategies to prevent supply chain disruptions and ensure business continuity.* Identify critical suppliers and parts requiring cross-functional engagement.* Drive resolution of major open issues, ensuring supplier senior management is actively involved.* Deliver quality and capacity verification in line with McLaren Development Process (MDP) targets* Develop and implement improvement strategies with suppliers to enhance performance and capability.**Essential Functional / Technical Skills*** Qualifications: Degree-level qualification in a technical engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.* Commodity Expertise: Must possess deep commodity expertise, including a strong understanding of supplier manufacturing processes, tooling requirements, and typical quality and delivery risks associated with their commodity area.* Supplier Quality Expertise: Proven experience in SQA/SQE roles, including leading suppliers through multiple new model launches.* Core Quality Tools: PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, SPC* Structured Problem Solving: 8D and DMAIC methodologies* Quality Management Systems: IATF16949 and AIAG standard practices* Engineering Standards: Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)* Digital & Systems Competence: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SAP, and CATIA.Degree-level qualification in a technical engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.**Personal Attributes / Competencies*** Motivated and Professional: Highly driven team player who leads by example, acts with integrity, and can professionally represent a world-class automotive brand.* Effective Communicator: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to engage confidently across all levels internally and externally, including suppliers.* Organised and Delivery-Focused: Well-structured and dependable, with a proven track record of delivering results on time in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.* Independent and Adaptable: Self-sufficient with the ability to prioritise workload, request support when needed, and thrive in dynamic, evolving start-up settings.* Quick Learner with Global Perspective: Fast learner, culturally aware; flexible in work patterns and willing to travel extensively, including at short notice.* Technically Qualified and Experienced: Degree-educated in a relevant discipline, with at years’ experience in a complex manufacturing environment—OEM automotive preferred.* Supplier Quality Expertise: Previous experience in Supplier Quality functions, including launching products into production and applying IATF16949 and AIAG standards.* Problem Solving and Coaching Skills: Skilled in using, training, and coaching standard practical problem-solving tools* Strong understanding of Manufacturing processes within automotive manufacturing.* Experience with core quality tools: PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, and SPC.* Working knowledge of IATF16949 and AIAG standards.* Familiarity with durability and performance validation for mechanical systems.* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, SAP, and CATIA viewer.We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:* Structured career development framework* 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days* Enhanced company pension scheme* Discretionary annual bonus award* Private medical insurance and health cash plan* Life assurance benefit* Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service* Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping* Generous parental leave policies* A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice #J-18808-Ljbffr